Augusta Raurica

Augusta Raurica is an important Roman archaeological site located near Basel, Switzerland. Established around 44 BCE by Lucius Munatius Plancus, it is recognized as the oldest Roman colony on the Rhine. The site was strategically positioned and well-defended, featuring a castrum and an extensive urban layout. It thrived as a significant commercial hub by the 2nd century CE, boasting structures typical of a Roman city, including a large theatre, public baths, and an aqueduct. The city’s prosperity was curtailed by an earthquake in 250 CE and subsequent destruction by Alemanni tribes around 260 CE. Despite these setbacks, Augusta Raurica remains one of the best-preserved Roman cities north of the Alps, offering valuable insights into Roman urban planning and culture.